Head Students for 2027
Please join us in congratulating our head students for next year:
Mylo Webb, Hannah Richards, Andrejka Bennett and Maonga Harrison.
We’ve asked the students some important questions, check out what they said below!
Presenting Hannah Richards…
Q.1 – Tell us a bit about you:
Growing up in Tauranga, this community has always felt like home. I’m naturally curious and happiest when I’ve got something I’m excited to get stuck into. I’m driven by having a sense of purpose and something to work towards, and I’m inspired by new experiences, different perspectives, and being around people who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Q.2 – What are your interests / passions / hobbies?
I love anything creative, especially art – really, just anything I can do with my hands. I’m also always looking for the next best book to read. I enjoy volunteering and getting involved in community projects, especially when there’s a practical way to help out and make a difference.
Q.3 – What is an interesting fact about you?
One interesting fact about me is that I have been to the other side of the world but never to the South Island.
Presenting Maonga Harrison…
Q.1 – Why did you apply to be a head student?
I applied because I wanted the opportunity to represent our students and be someone they can approach, trust, and have a cool relationship with. I want to help make 2027 a year all students can be proud of.
He waka eke noa. “We share collective responsibility and must paddle together to succeed.”
Q.2 – What are you most looking forward to?
I want leave a great impact that continues after my time as Head Student. That’s what I’m looking forward to in this role.
Q.3 – What are your interests / passions / hobbies?
I’m really passionate about Te Ao Māori, Kapa haka, music, leadership and connecting with people. I enjoy being involved in my kura and learning more about my culture. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and whānau, helping others and being involved in things that bring people together.
Presenting Andrejka Bennett…
Q.1 – Tell us about you:
I am someone who loves being surrounded by people, getting involved, and probably saying yes to more things than I should. I’m always up for a good challenge and love supporting others in things they are passionate about. Although I do not have a person I directly look up to, I hope to use that as inspiration to help me become that for someone else.
Q.2 – Why did you apply to be a head student?
I have been fortunate to have had an impact in many areas of the school and felt being head girl was step further to represent not just the school as a whole, but also the students within it.
Q.3 – What goals do you have as a head student?
One goal for me is to make students aware that being a leader is not reserved for one group of people. I would also love to continue what previous head students have promoted by building further connections across our school and community to enhance school pride.
Presenting Mylo Webb…
Q.1 – Why did you apply to be a head student?
I know that people have more than just school going on in their lives. Whether it may be sport or other extra-curricular activities, I want to make sure that school doesn’t have to be a struggle that adds on, making participating in extra-curricular activities an option for all students.
Q.2 – What is an interesting fact about you?
I’m a huge NFL fan, and I got to watch my team play in London two years ago.
Also, both my parents work in schools, and my Dad was even the head boy of Tokoroa High in 1992.
Q.3 – What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to working alongside all of the other student leaders in 2027. I am excited to get involved, bringing different groups together and continue to push the school spirit everyone has worked so hard to build.
Colours Day – Friday 25 September
This year, Colours’ Day is a non-uniform Maunga colours day. Students will need to bring a gold coin, and hand it in during form time, and dress up in the appropriate Maunga colours. This money will go directly to support the Graeme Dingle Moving Mountains programme.
Help a young person overcome the mountains we can’t see.
Smokefree Rockquest Band National Final 2026
Congratulations to Ōtūmoetai College Band Grizzlyfish – George Cowan, Adam Sushames, Caleb Friar, Jude Chua, and Damian Mazzutti.
All the very best for your performance tonight!
You can watch the livestream here TONIGHT– (begins from 6.45pm)
Year 13 Flimmaking Team Regional Finals
Year 13 Filmmaking Team ‘The Bourgeoisie’ has continued its run of success!
They are now in the final 15 of 150 teams in the ‘Across Aotearoa’ Region. They are the only high school team in New Zealand to make it this far. Many of the teams they are facing are made up of professional filmmakers.
The next step is the Regional Final, streamed live on YouTube TONIGHT, Friday 18 September 2026, at 7:00pm.
(The region is everywhere in New Zealand that isn’t Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch)
You can watch the upcoming Regional Finals and the Grand National Final live here on the
Vista Foundation @48hoursnz YouTube Channel
Congratulations to Jayden Dent, Drew Bryan, Aadit Tandon, Izzy Peers, Isabella Fitt & Alec von Bultzingslowen Newington.
2027 Trip to Argentina Opportunity!
Join us in April 2027 for a three-week educational trip in Argentina!
This immersive experience combines real-world language practice with an unforgettable dive into Argentine history, arts, and traditions.
We will live and learn in the bustling heart of Buenos Aires, practicing Spanish daily while exploring historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and local cuisine. We will also venture north, experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Iguazu Falls and the biodiversity of South America.
This trip is for 2027 Senior students only.
Find out more in our Information evening on Tuesday, 22nd September (Week 10) at 6pm, in the School Staff Room.
Good Neighbour – The Good Walk – 30 Laps in 30 Days
At Ōtūmoetai College, we want our sport to be about more than what happens on the field or court. Good Neighbour is the charity our sports programme is proud to support, doing great work for people across Tauranga.
This October, join The Good Walk – 30 Laps in 30 Days. Complete one lap each day, wherever and however you choose, while raising funds for Good Neighbour. The challenge finishes with a community walk at Coronation Park on 31 October – and every dollar raised will be matched by Good Neighbour’s funders.
We would love to see our students, families, staff and supporters get involved. 30 days. 30laps. One great local cause.
Mahuru Māori
In keeping with the maramataka, this year Mahuru Māori runs from the 11th of September to the 10th of October.
The Ruamano kōmiti will be running events for the remainder of the term to celebrate. Next week there’s a form class kahoot challenge, whare whare, and a scavenger hunt. In week 10, there’s more whare whare, yoga and weaving! Keep an eye on the notices for when and where! Lots of maunga points up for grabs!
Also, check the notices everyday for the reo phrase of the day. Try your hand at using them in your classroom!
Violet Club Disco – 23 September
The Violet Club Disco is coming up on Wednesday 23 September, 6:30–8:30pm in PAV 1 & PAV 2.
Email Ms Ferreira for permission slip sferreira@otc.school.nz
Should I keep my child home from school?
Young Driver Workshop
This free workshop is designed to help young drivers build confidence behind the wheel, improve their road safety knowledge, and develop safer driving habits.
Who can attend? Young people aged 16-24 years who hold a current learner or restricted driver licence.
Workshop includes:
• Driver behaviour education covering speed, impairment, restraints, distraction, and fatigue
• A free 60-minute one-on-one driving lesson with a certified driving instructor
• Waka Kotahi NZTA vehicle safety and roadworthiness checks
• Tips for sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles and vulnerable road users
• Information about vehicle star safety ratings and choosing safer vehicles
Workshop Dates & Locations:
Wednesday 7th October
Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre (Gordon Spratt Reserve)
80 Alice Way, Papamoa Beach
Thursday 8th October
Bethlehem Baptist Church
90 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga
For more information, please contact the Travel Safe Schools Team: travelsafeschools@tauranga.govt.nz.
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